Basal and Comparative Immunology

This course aims to provide an understanding of the components (organs, cells and molecules) of the vertebrate immune system and their mood of action. The lectures will focus both on mammalian species and on bony fish. In the general part, the course will particularly discuss on how the immune system protects the body from infectious microorganisms like virus, bacteria, fungi and parasites. The student will learn how immune responses, including both innate and adaptive responses, are initiated and terminated, and how the immune system "remembers" a pathogenic intruder such that it can respond stronger at subsequent infections (the basis for vaccination). In the fish immunology part, an overview of the immune system in fish, with emphasis on aquaculture species, is provided.

Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS.An average grade of equivalent to C or better in the Norwegian grading system is required.

Application code: 9371

Knowledge: The Candidate

• knows the key differences between innate and adaptive immunity
• knows the principal organization of lymphoid organs of mammals and fish
• knows about the most important immunological cell types and their effector mechanisms
• which function various cytokines and the complement system has
• knows the essential immune molecules / receptors - B and T cell receptors and MHC Class I and II
• understand the mechanisms that provide the B and T cells with the great repertoire of molecule detection
• have knowledge about the principles for clonal selection of antigen-specific lymphocytes
• know the main differences in the defense against bacteria and viruses
• is able to understand the immunological principles behind vaccines

Skills: The Candidate can

• evaluate the effects of different prophylactic treatments including vaccines and vaccination strategies
• evaluate the impact of different immunological parameters, i.e. antibody responses, cellular responses and immune gene profiling by qPCR

General knowledge: The Candidate

• has a good overview of the immune system of vertebrates (mammals and fish)

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• MBI-2004 Immunology 8 stp

Language of instruction and examination

Four hours written exam. A - E for passed, F for failed.

A re-sit exam will be arranged for this course.